Harding or Backstrom to Face Sharks?

There hasn't been a peep about which goalie Mike Yeo will use tonight against the San Jose Sharks. Backup Josh Harding has the more staggering numbers in five games, but starter niklas Backstrom is coming of a 41-save, 3-0 shutout of Calgary on Thrusday and offers his own impressive statistics.

Coach Todd McLellan, of the Sharks, had his team practicing longer than usual on Wednesday, spending most of the time on a penalty kill.

My Popular-Game Picks

Don't miss these popular out-of-town visits at the Xcel Energy Center:

Boston Bruins 2/19: defending Stanley Cup champions come to town
Anaheim Ducks 10/27, 2/14
Calgary Flames 11/27, 3/11, 3/22
Chicago Blackhawks 12/14, 4/5
Dallas Stars 1/21, 3/13
Detroit Red Wings 10/29
St. Louis Blues 11/5, 11/19
San Jose Sharks 1/10, 2/26
Winnipeg 2/16: first ever trip to the Xcel Energy Center!
Vancouver Canucks: 11/3, 2/9, 3/19: defending Western Conference champion

Former Defenseman Brent Burns Signs 5-year Sharks Contract

After being traded to the San Jose Sharks in late June, Brent Burns had established little hurry to sign a long-term contract with the Sharks. This past week, however, Burns agreed to a five-year extension for $28.8 million.

Last year, Burns scored 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists), had 133 hits and was a first-time All-Star. There is concern that last year's breakout year with Minnesota is something not to be repeated. The Sharks acknowledge this concern, but after signing a long-term contract, the program feels the investment in Brent Burns will be a pivotal asset.

Welcome to the Wild, Danny Heately!

Danny Heately was traded for Marty Havlat. This is a huge trade that sends Havlat to San Jose where he goes to a for sure title contender. According to the StarTribune, Danny Heately is ecstatic about this deal. He is really good friends with Setoguchi, and the two have dreamed on playing on the same line together. What does this mean for the Wild though?

We know what Heately brings to a team: scoring. Ever since 2001, all Danny Heately has done is score. In fact, he has 325 goals since 2001, good for third best since that time. The Wild now have two guys who could score a lot of goals in Setoguchi and Danny Heately.

I like this trade, but I would have liked it a lot better a few years ago. Heately scores a lot of goals, but he is starting to get really old. He's also very prone to injuries as he has had a lot of injuries the past six seasons. Hopefully the Wild get a motivated and healthy Danny Heately that scores a ton of goals for them this season.

Minnesota Wild at San Jose Sharks

On Saturday, January 22nd, the Minnesota Wild will look to extend their 3 game winning streak against the San Jose Sharks. The Minnesota Wild are currently 24-18-5, 1 point from the coveted 8th spot in the playoffs. They trail the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks who sit at 54 points. San Jose is tied with the Minnesota Wild at 53 points. The Minnesota Wild are 13-7-3 this season on the road and will look to improve that mark in San Jose. Get your Minnesota Wild tickets today with Ticket King!

Minnesota Wild Rallies Against San Jose Sharks

The Minnesota Wild were down 3-2 entering the 3rd period on Wednesday night against the San Jose Sharks. However, the Minnesota Wild erupted for three 3rd period goals en route to a 5-3 victory. Chuck Kobasew, Brent Burns, and Kyle Brodziak all scored in the 3rd period to mount the comeback. Mikko Koivu scored in the 2nd period and Brodziak scored in the 1st period before the rally started. It was a solid victory against a good team. If the Minnesota Wild can play like that for the majority of games then they will be playing in the playoffs.

Minnesota Wild Win 3 In a Row

The Minnesota Wild have won 3 in a row. They have defeated the San Jose Sharks (1-0), the Calgary Flames (2-1), and Columbus Blue Jackets (3-2). They currently have 16 points through 13 games and are in 2nd place in the Division. Brent Burns and Niklas Backstrom have played great thus far and could be on their way to All-Star Game appearances if they keep it up. This week the Minnesota Wild will play at the Atlanta Thrashers (Thursday) and Florida Panthers (Friday).

Minnesota Wild Lose to Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-1 on Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center. Marek Zidlicky was the lone goal scorer for the Wild. Troy Brouwer had a goal and assist for the Chicago Blackhawks. Marty Turco had 25 saves after being benched. The game was a sellout at the X and now will host the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night. So far, the Wild are 4-4-2 for 10 points.

With Koivu out, Almond is in vs. Detroit

Mikko Koivu will be missing out on tonight’s game against the Detroit Red Wings with an arm injury. This is a result from Tuesday’s game against San Jose, which caused him to miss Thursday’s game against the Flyers as well. Thursday was the first game ever for Captain Koivu to miss, and he is not happy to miss a second. Mikko Koivu is currently the lead scorer on the Wild and, with Latendresse questionable in the health department, the Wild have recalled Cody Almond from the Houston Aeros for some help.

What's with the Wild?

After watching tonight's Minnesota Wild vs. San Jose Sharks game, I was left wondering what has happened to my favorite NHL Team. It appears to me that they have completely lost their moxie and have absolutely no confidence. I can't help but wonder if Jacques Lemaire is to blame. It feels like the constant line changing and the calling out of his players has had a negative affect on the Minnesota Wild. I think that we are at a crucial juncture this season and it may be time to simply stick to the lines that were effective at the beginning of the year and let them play. Maybe this would allow the Minnesota Wild to play less tight and let their talent lead them to victories. It can't get much worse than it has been the last week?

Sharks chomp a Wild comeback

The Minnesota Wild went hard for three periods last Monday against the San Jose Sharks, but the Sharks won out in the end after a lucky bounce for a Jonathan Cheechoo goal in the third period. The Wild had just tied the score at two a piece ten seconds earlier.

The Sharks have now won 10 straight road games, putting them in a tie for the second longest streak with four other teams. The NHL record of 12 straight was set by the Detroit Red Wings in March and April of 2006. The loss was bad for Minnesota Wild hockey because it propelled the San Jose Sharks to fourth place in the Western Conference standings with 49 points while leaving the Wild behind in sixth with only 46.

Only two Wild home games left this year

Get it? This year…2007. There are only two Minnesota Wild games left in 2007. First up are the Edmonton Oilers at the Xcel Energy Center on Saturday December 29th and then to close out 2007, the San Jose Sharks are in St Paul on December 31st. The 5pm puck drop on the 31st gives Minnesota Wild fans plenty of time to ring in the new year right…a hockey game and an after party! Let’s go Wild! Need Minnesota Wild tickets? Check out local brokers like Ticket King. They have an office less than a block down from the Xcel Energy Center and have reasonable Wild ticket prices. Go Wild!